Looking to install a new floor? Hoping to replace some old doors? Or perhaps you are in need of a fresh staircase. No matter what the plan may be, you will want the decisions you make to reflect positively on your home interior. The right wood makes all the difference when it comes to interior design. When you choose something that doesn’t work, the results can be jarring, so it is important that you get the right wood so the job can get done the first time.
A look at any manufacturer’s website will quickly show you that there are several different wood species available. Each one can offer you something a little different. Even within the wood species you can pick from, there are different cuts that will showcase variances in grain and color. So with all these choices, how do you know what direction to take? Light? Dark? Premium grade? Rustic grade?
First, take your time. Whether you intend to replace the entire living room floor or just the steps on your staircase, you need to be certain of your choices. You should start with the grade of wood you want as it will visually reflect a certain style. High quality wood grades mean that the wood has very little in color variance and even wood grain, as well as few imperfections such as knots. As quality slowly moves toward rustic, more knots will appear as will color and grain variations. Consider the type of home you have. What do you want to reflect? If you want something clean, smooth, and even when it comes to the overall look and color, then you will want a higher grade. If you would be more than happy to have a more natural look with dark knots appearing throughout, then rustic is the style for you. Oftentimes the current design of your home will help steer you in the right direction of wood grade.
Once you know the grade, you can start in on the wood species. Begin by deciding whether you want a darker wood or something light. Then you can eliminate several species and only focus on a particular few. From mahogany to ash, there is a wood species for everyone. Again, consider your current home and what will work best. Do you already have a lot of light colored furniture? Do you let a lot of light into your home? Do you have accents of stone, silver, or glass? Lighter colored wood species will match beautifully with these, and the sunlight will bounce off the floor to help light up the room even more. On the opposite end, if you have a darker room with richly colored furniture, a darker wood species can be perfect to set the tone.
As always, speak with the manufacturer for the final details and then discover the final results with the right wood.